Sunday 14 October 2018

[Educator's Stories Series]: Interview with Ehaab Abdou


  1. What are the environmental issues that you are concerned about as an educational leader? 
I am concerned with issues of lack of awareness regarding climate change and global warming. I am concerned that individuals seem to have become apathetic as to what they are able to do to change the status quo. And I am concerned that even for many of those who want to do something, there is not enough guidance and awareness as to what they can do through their lives to help support the cause. There are many things we can to make a difference whether it is in big decisions regarding whether to buy a car and what type of car, to decisions on whether to buy your coffee in a disposable cup or do your shopping in a plastic bag! 



  1. What do you think educators can do about these problems?
Educators need to make sure to bring in issues of environmental degradation and sustainability into the classroom through guest speakers, extracurricular materials like documentaries, etc. But what is even more important is that they need to help guide their students regarding small and big actions they as students can carry out to affect that positive change they want among their circles of friends and families. And of course, educators need to be good role models. I would say that educators themselves need to be walking the talk in their own lifestyles. So for example, using public transport more than their gas-guzzling cars/SUVs, carrying cloth bags instead of using plastic bags, trying to eat sustainably, and even carrying their plastic or glass mugs instead of wasting a paper cup every time they buy a coffee or a tea! In sum: 1) bringing awareness about issues; 2) giving students practical tips and guidelines on how they can be agents of change (and inspire them by showing them organizations and individuals who are trying to do similar things); and 3) leading by example.



  1. Please share any activities that you have participated in to promote sustainability?
I volunteer at Santropol Roulant (a Montreal-based non-profit organization that prepares and delivers meals to elderly and immobile persons mainly) which I believe has a good influence on food sustainability practices and raising awareness about those through its network of volunteers, staff and clients.  My partner and I have also been subscribing to a community food basket that helps us access fresh vegetables, but in the same time promote sustainable agriculture, etc. 


Interviewee: Sahar Fazeli, PhD Candidate, DISE, McGill University

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